NBA commissioner Adam Silver made an unprecedented move Thursday, moving the site of the upcoming 2017 All-Star from Charlotte because of the HB2 law they passed in March, a law many feel to be discriminatory.
HB2, also known as the “bathroom bill,” eliminated discrimination protections against LGBTQ people living in North Carolina. It also prevents cities in North Carolina from enacting their own anti-discrimination policies. Needless to say, this law didn’t sit well with Silver and the NBA from the very beginning.
The NBA’s statement reads in part:
“Our week-long schedule of All-Star events and activities is intended to be a global celebration of basketball, our league, and the values for which we stand, and to bring together all members of the NBA community—current and former players, league and team officials, business partners, and fans. While we recognize that the NBA cannot choose the law in every city, state, and country in which we do business, we do not believe we can successfully host our All-Star festivities in Charlotte in the climate created by HB2.”
North Carolina Senator Jeff Jackson, who opposes HB2, had possibly the most popular response, calling out the state’s governor:
Michael Jordan, who is the owner of the Charlotte Hornets, released this statement:
“We understand the NBA’s decision and the challenges around holding the NBA All-Star Game in Charlotte this season. There was an exhaustive effort from all parties to keep the event in Charlotte, and we are disappointed we were unable to do so. With that said, we are pleased that the NBA opened the door for Charlotte to host All-Star Weekend again as soon as an opportunity was available in 2019. We want to thank the City of Charlotte and the business community for their backing throughout this entire process, starting with the initial bid. We are confident that they will be just as supportive and enthusiastic for the 2019 NBA All-Star Game.”
The NBA stated Charlotte could still hold the 2019 All-Star Game if the state’s laws are changed.
Josh Helmuth is the editor of Crave Sports. Follow him on Twitter here.
